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The
story of Johnny Maestro and The Brooklyn
Bridge is one that spans virtually the entire
rock era. It begins with The Crests
in the latter half of the 50's, as the marriage of
swing, blues and country music was giving birth to
rock n'roll, and it continues today, in a period of
musical and technological sophistication, with The
Brooklyn Bridge, through new recordings, and a stage
show that is one of the strongest and most popular on
the east coast. In these live appearances, the Bridge
takes its audience on a tour through the history of
the band and its members, and also offers a glimpse of
its current musical direction, all the while
showcasing the power and artistry of the incomparable
Johnny Maestro. Johnny Maestro began
his career singing with a group from Manhattan called
The Crests. Their first
records (including "My Juanita" and "Sweetest One")
generated some regional response, but it was the
breakthrough of "Sixteen Candles" that brought them
national recognition. A string of hits followed,
including "Trouble In Paradise", "Step By Step", "The
Angels Listened In", and "Six Nights A Week". By the
time the group disbanded in 1962, the record-buying
public had developed a strong awareness of, and a
great admiration for, the very special vocal abilities
of Johnny Maestro. As the music scene changed with the
British Invasion of the early 60’s, Johnny searched
for a framework within which he could create a new
sound. He began working with The Del-Satins, a local
New York City vocal group whose members included Fred
Ferrara and Les Cauchi. The Del-Satins had several
record releases, on of which, "Teardrops Follow Me",
was a strong local hit. Les Cauchi has been an agent
for the group since 1979 working with Banner Talent
and James Evans Management. He has booked the group
himself since 1993. They had also done studio work
with several artists and were most notably the
background vocalists on all of Dion’s solo efforts.
While working the local club scene, Johnny and the
Del-Satins ran into the Rhythm Method, a seven-piece
band whose members included Jim Rosica on bass and
vocals. The two bands were so impressed with each
other that they decided to merge together. Thus was
formed The Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn
Bridge once again brought nationwide exposure
to the voice of Johnny Maestro. His
powerful performance of Jim Webb’s "The Worst That
Could Happen" backed by the Bridge’s trademark strong
vocal and horn arrangements, led to a gold record for
the band and countless concert and television
appearances, including one on the Ed Sullivan Show,
Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin ,Della Reese shows and
more. Other hits followed, including "Welcome Me
Love", "Blessed Is The Rain", "Your Husband My Wife",
and "You’ll Never Walk Alone". By 1972 the Brooklyn
Bridge had sold over ten million records and
established Johnny Maestro as one of
the premier vocal talents of his era. During the
seventies, the group went through both musical and
personnel changes. Louis Agiesta joined on drums
straight from the original touring company of Jesus
Christ Super Star, followed by Martin D’Amico, who
joined on keyboards and later contributed on trumpet
and vocals. Finally, the newest member of the current
line-up, Jim Sarle (a former student of original
member Jim Rosica) completed the mix, adding some of
the most extraordinary guitar playing on the music
scene today. A little know fact is that Jim played the
guitar solo on the cut "Bridge in Blue" in 1971 for
us when he was only sixteen years old. The success
story of Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn
Bridge has continued throughout the years.
The success of a Christmas EP released in 1989, (from
which selections have appeared on the million-selling
WCBS-FM Christmas compilation as well as the Dick
Clark Christmas album slated for 1998 release) and a
double greatest hits package released in 1993, led the
band to record Acappella in 1994, featuring 10 classic
songs of the 50’s and 60’s done classic acappella
style. And coming early spring 2005 a new DVD with
their newest releases. Demand for live appearances by
the band is stronger now than at any time in its
history. Sold out shows at major clubs and concert
halls (such as New York’s Bottom Line, Madison Square
Garden and Radio City Music Hall, Long Island's
Westbury Music Fair, Carnegie Hall, Nassau Coliseum,
New Haven Coliseum, Casino's in Atlantic City, Connecticut, Mississippi, Las Vegas and numerous
Telethon's each year raising hundred's of thousand's
of dollars and frequent local and nationwide
television appearances will attest to the durability
of the group’s supporters over the years, but also
gathering many new fans as well, it’s clear that the
story of Johnny Maestro and The Brooklyn
Bridge is one that will continue for a long
time to come.
For the last thirty years they have traveled this
country bringing their music to you, the public. The
only form of appreciation that they know is either
record sales, applause at personal appearances or the
occasional fan who approaches them for their
autographs. With their own website they are able to
actually interact with their public. Perhaps there are
songs you would like to hear at their concerts,
personal messages (ex. birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
at a specific engagement in the future or just to let
them know you are out there. Their albums are for sale
at the
merchandise page, please use the e-mail
they have provided to contact them. They would
appreciate hearing from you. I have provided a page
for fans to write about their experiences with the
group. Click here
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